Post by amelia on Dec 13, 2012 20:47:01 GMT -5

I usually have sympathy for the person who is being defined and dissected. At least when the context is not partisan.

When it's partisan people who are doing the dissecting or being dissected, that can change my reaction. I'll be a little less upset when it's Democrats taking on Democrats. I feel some schadenfreude when people who make their living playing racial politics get into awkward spots. I'll be a little more upset when it's Dems taking on Republicans -- "a little more" being an understatement when Republicans are being called names like "Uncle Tom".

I didn't feel much sympathy for Obama when he was getting the treatment from people on his side -- like in the "Barack the Magic Negro" episode which Limbaugh took so much heat for but which was really about how Democrats treated/viewed Obama.

Perhaps I should feel more sympathy for Obama, but I don't respect him much so that messes with any defense I would make of him. Of course he doesn't need any defense from me, so that all works out just fine.

Post by amelia on Dec 13, 2012 22:05:29 GMT -5

I disagree with that.

If someone's great great great great grandmother was black and no other known relatives were, is that person black? I know someone who just found that out about their family tree. 1/64th confirmed African descent. 1/64th Blackfoot Indian. And the rest Anglo as far as I know.

IMHO ... it's up to them to decide for themselves how they want to label/embrace/present their ancesty, and I'll respect their decision insofar as I know it.

Post by amelia on Dec 13, 2012 23:09:42 GMT -5

I wasn't aware of what prompted the rambling in that clip. I later read that it was in response to this from RGIII:

Griffin acknowledged his appreciation for black Washington Redskins fans proud of his transformative debut season -- and noted how he hopes to erase lingering stereotypes concerning African-American quarterbacks.

"For me, you don't ever want to be defined by the color of your skin,'' Griffin said at the end of Wednesday's post-practice news conference in reference to a question about Martin Luther King, Jr. "You want to be defined by your work ethic, the person that you are, your character, your personality. That's what I've tried to go out and do.

"I am an African-American in America. That will never change. But I don't have to be defined by that.''

The league's highest-rated passer, who has led the 7-6 Redskins into postseason contention with 10 of his 18 touchdowns thrown during a four-game win streak, said he is aware of why so many black Redskins fans take reflected pride in his success.

"I am aware how much race is relevant to them,'' RGIII said. "I don't ignore it. I try not to be defined by it. But I understand different persectives and how people view different things. I understand that they're excited that their quarterback is an African-American. I play with a lot of pride, a lot of character, a lot of heart. I understand that. I appreciate them for being fans and not just fans because they're African-Americans.''

I am an American. That's the way most of us put it, just matter of factly. They are plain words, those four. You could write them on your thumbnail, or you could sweep them clear across a bright autumn sky. But remember too, that they are more than words. They are a way of life. So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly; speak them proudly; speak them gratefully. I am an American. ... a tradition

Post by Nice Kitty on Dec 16, 2012 21:40:22 GMT -5

Shoutbox

Give a shout out to someone on PFFA!

plasmaball: Yes a woman's Orgasm is like trying to spot the wild snow leopard. You must wait weeks upon maybe months and if you are lucky you might spot a small puddle from this cunning creature called the orgasm. its more like sometimes you have to fake it becauseFeb 7, 2013 12:05:17 GMT -5